Iran has been fortifying an underground complex near one of its nuclear facilities, according to analysis of new satellite images. This activity comes at a time of heightened tensions as talks between Iranian and US officials continue, with President Donald Trump threatening fresh military action against Iran if it does not agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme.
The photos, first analysed by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), a US-based think tank, show tunnel entrances being strengthened at Mount Kolang Gaz La - also known as Pickaxe Mountain. Experts say this facility may be designed to protect Iran's uranium enrichment activities or key equipment, but its exact purpose - and whether it is operational - remains unclear.
Iran insists its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful and denies it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. However, Trump stated that Iran was as little as a month away from having a nuclear weapon just before ordering strikes on nuclear sites last year.
A recent satellite image revealed what appears to be new concrete laid on top of one of the Pickaxe Mountain entrances, along with a boom pump used to deliver concrete, indicating ongoing construction efforts.
Analysts from ISIS suggest that these upgrades may be aimed at strengthening the tunnel entrances to provide additional protection against potential air strikes. Satellite images also show that repair work and defensive strengthening have been ongoing at the nearby Natanz nuclear site, which has also faced damages from air strikes in the past.
In efforts to defend against air and ground assaults, entrances at the Isfahan nuclear site have been sealed off, securing potential uranium stocks that may be housed within these facilities.
With increased military readiness and the presence of heavy construction machinery, experts caution that the facility's final purpose remains speculative but potentially concerning in the context of nuclear proliferation.
